The 9-year-old grabs a box of tampons from the shelf and carries it to the checkout. The cashier smiles down at them.
— Oh, these must be for your mom, huh?
Both boys shake their heads.
— Nope, not for my mom.

The cashier blinks.
— Well, they must be for your sister then?
— Nope, not for my sister either.
Now the cashier is curious.
— Oh. Not for your mom and not for your sister? Who are they for?
The 9-year-old points to his little brother.
— They’re for my little brother. He’s 5 years old.

The cashier stares at him.
— Your 5-year-old little brother? Are you sure he needs tampons?
